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Explore Abu Dhabi's movie locations
Abu Dhabi has been the setting for some of the most popular films of our time. The city's rooftops, palaces and sprawling golden deserts have starred in everything from high-octane action scenes to mesmerising stories that are literally out of this world.
Even better, many of these epic settings are open to the general public. Here are the silver screen spots you need to visit the next time you're in Abu Dhabi.
Star Wars, The Force Awakens
The much anticipated Star Wars movie: The Force Awakens, hit cinemas in 2015 and its story began on a desert planet called Jakku. However, Jakku isn't as "far far away" as you may expect. The endless dunes are those of Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter in Liwa.
Dune
The Abu Dhabi desert is also cast as the role of 'Arrakis', the desert planet where the majority of the 2021 epic Dune takes place. Director Denis Villeneuve found that the Abu Dhabi deserts are 'unmatchable' and described the shapes of the sands as 'mesmerising'.
You can travel to these remote areas of the emirate via various tour operators from Abu Dhabi city. Take in the beauty of this region with day trips packed with off-roading adventures, safaris or even try sandboarding. If you want to extend your stay, choose one of the many hotels and resorts offering bespoke desert experiences.
6 Underground
Many of the landmarks that make up Abu Dhabi's skyline once starred alongside Ryan Reynolds in the 2019 motion picture, 6 Underground, including Etihad Towers and Emirates Palace but the shining star has to be the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
You can visit the Louvre in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. Take in historical and cultural works from ancient times to the contemporary era, and don't forget to capture snaps with the iconic domed design.
Furious 7
It was only right that the Fast & Furious franchise chose to film Furious 7 in Abu Dhabi, arguably one of the best places in the world for exotic supercar spotting.
The luxurious Etihad Towers and Emirates Palace were cast as the settings for the action scenes that made the film a blockbuster success.
See if you can spot where the action happened from Etihad Towers' Observation Deck at 300, or if you prefer to reenact some of the more glamorous scenes instead, you can always book a stay at the Emirates Palace hotel.
Warner Bros. World
Dive deeper into the world of cinema and animation at Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi's huge indoor theme park. Located on Yas Island, Warner Bros. World is packed with thrilling rides and iconic characters. The park has five themed lands including Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City and Metropolis.
Meet childhood icons like Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom & Jerry, or come face-to-face with superheroes like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.
How much can you fit in a day? Warner Bros. World has 29 state-of-the-art rides to experience, interactive family-friendly attractions to see and live entertainment to enjoy.
Also, make sure to explore the new Warner Bros. Hotel, just a few steps from the theme park, for unmissable photo opportunities with the famous 'Friends' fountain and the all-new Batmobile.
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